Undressing - Hardcover

James O'Neill

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1780723946 ISBN 13: 9781780723945

Publisher: Short Books Ltd, 2019

Synopsis

"In O'Neill's book - at once a case-history, a novella, and something more than either - we have a remarkable story of what two people can do for each other if they can experiment with trust." Adam Phillips When therapist-in-training James O'Neill starts his placement at a therapy centre in west London, his first referral is Abraham, a silent and frightened young man in a tightly-zipped, hooded anorak. For the majority of their initial sessions, Abraham hardly speaks. But O'Neill gradually gains his trust and learns of the abuse and violence Abraham was subjected to as a child that caused him to hide away from the world - barely sleeping, too afraid to get undressed even in the shower. Over the many years they meet, Abraham's unfolding story and bravery inspire O'Neill to confront his own complicated past. Together they achieve something radical, as Abraham creates his own kind of therapy and teaches O'Neill to do the same.

About this title

Review:

What a privilege for a therapist to be given permission to share such a journey. It provoked so many thoughts and byways of the heart and mind... I loved and admired it. --Jane Haynes, psychotherapist and author of 'If I Chance to Talk a Little Wild'

A brave and moving book which demystifies what it is to be a good and generous therapist. --Nell Dunn

I read this extraordinary short story of a psychotherapist and his patient in a single sitting... A powerful testament, not only to therapy, but of the healing that trust, empathy and love can engender in all of us. --Caroline Sanderson

About the Author:

James O'Neill is a psychotherapist with an independent practice in south London. Born in Toronto, he moved to London in 1977 where he taught history before starting therapy training. He is a member of the Site for Contemporary Psychoanalysis. This is his first book.

About this edition

• Publisher: Short Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1780723946
• ISBN 13: 9781780723945
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 160